POLICE are preparing to crackdown on illegal raves across Devon and Cornwall this bank holiday weekend.

Operation Derig will begin on Friday and see officers patrolling in potential areas at risk of illegal gatherings over the weekend.

Derig is an intelligence-led operation which builds on a successful series of similar operations throughout 2013.

Devon and Cornwall Police will also be sharing information with partner agencies including the National Park, Forestry Commission, Environmental Health, and Southwest Lakes Trust.

Superintendent Craig Downham said: “Safety regulations used at all public events were introduced to ensure safety of those attending, yet illegal raves do not follow any guidance.

“These types of unregulated events are not only dangerous to those attending but cause disruption to people who live nearby.

“We have seen incidents where people have got lost in poor weather in very remote areas and come to harm, as well as people attending suffering medical episodes and in need of medical attention – yet due to terrain and the poor management of the rave site it is extremely difficult for police and other emergency services to respond.”

Superintendant Downham said that the force would be taking ‘positive action’ to identify target organisers and seize and equipment associated with any raves.

He added: “We also appeal to members of the public to keep us informed to help disrupt any illegal raves as early intervention is key; accurate and timely information can allow us to close down an event before it has even started.”